Cost of living in San Francisco, California (United States) is 21% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 861 prices entered by 163 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | + 13% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in San Francisco, California (United States) is 13% more expensive than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Francisco, California | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $25 | $20 | + 22% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $13 | $14 | - 7% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $8 | $5.82 | + 30% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $1.81 | $1.26 | + 44% | |
| 12 eggs, large | $8 | $5.86 | + 32% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $7 | $5.29 | + 35% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $11 | $8 | + 50% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $4.55 | $3.73 | + 22% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.70 | $2.39 | + 13% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $4.93 | $4.98 | - 1% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $18 | $20 | - 11% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | $3.68 | $2.90 | + 27% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $3.14 | $3.61 | - 13% | |
| Housing | - 21% | |||
| Housing in San Francisco, California (United States) is 21% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Francisco, California | New York City | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $4,671 | $6,697 | - 30% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $3,859 | $3,674 | + 5% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $153 | $248 | - 38% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $3,249 | $4,482 | - 28% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $2,560 | $2,903 | - 12% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $177 | $127 | + 39% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $60 | $73 | - 18% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | $257 | $511 | - 50% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $145 | $135 | + 8% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $12 | $15 | - 17% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | $37 | $34 | + 10% | |
| Clothes | - 16% | |||
| Clothes in San Francisco, California (United States) is 16% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Francisco, California | New York City | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $67 | $59 | + 15% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $50 | $70 | - 29% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $114 | $119 | - 4% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $154 | $175 | - 12% | |
| Transportation | - 34% | |||
| Transportation in San Francisco, California (United States) is 34% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Francisco, California | New York City | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $32,526 | $55,635 | - 42% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $1.30 | $1.05 | + 24% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | $96 | $146 | - 34% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | $22 | $42 | - 47% | |
| Personal Care | - 18% | |||
| Personal Care in San Francisco, California (United States) is 18% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Francisco, California | New York City | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $9 | $9 | - 3% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $14 | $23 | - 39% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $133 | $156 | - 15% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $13 | $10 | + 29% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $5.09 | $5.45 | - 6% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $8 | $10 | - 17% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | $5.34 | $8 | - 37% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | $2.92 | $2.36 | + 24% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $30 | $32 | - 7% | |
| Entertainment | - 33% | |||
| Entertainment in San Francisco, California (United States) is 33% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| San Francisco, California | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $65 | $73 | - 11% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | $34 | $38 | - 12% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $333 | $433 | - 23% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $134 | $143 | - 6% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $17 | $23 | - 27% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $5.84 | $7 | - 13% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $10 | $12 | - 18% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $372 | $642 | - 42% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.25 | $0.72 | - 66% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | $102 | $180 | - 43% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $13 | $17 | - 20% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 21% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 861 prices entered by 163 different people.
These prices were last updated on October 07, 2024.
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $18,000 in New York City you would need to make just about $14,233 in San Francisco, California.
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